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Best Purim Activities In Chicagoland For Kids

Purim is a festive early spring holiday commemorating the failure of a plot to exterminate the Jews in ancient Persia. The story of Purim has everything you need to captivate an audience: a bad guy – in this case, the king's minister Haman -- a beautiful and courageous queen, lots of suspense and a twist ending. Jewish families celebrate the holiday with a raucous reading of the story of Purim – you have to make noise whenever the bad guy's name is mentioned – dressing up in costumes and sharing yummy treats, particularly a triangular cookie called Hammentaschen, after Haman's three-cornered hat. Here are some lively Purim activities for families in the Chicago area.

Israel Celebrates Festival Of Purim
(credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

JUF Book Buddies Purim

•Barnes & Noble Naperville - 47 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville
•Barnes & Noble Vernon Hills - 720 Hawthorne Center, Vernon Hills
•Borders Bookstore Oak Park - 1144 Lake Street, Oak Park
•Borders Bookstore Orland Park - 15260 South La Grange Road, Orland Park
Sunday- March 13, 10:30-11:30 am

JUF Book Buddies is a monthly Sunday morning program for families with children up to age 5. There is no cost to attend but advance registration is requested. The March program will focus on learning about Purim with arts and crafts, a storytime, songs and lots of friends. Costumes encouraged!

Ultra-Orthodox Jews Celebrate Purim Festival
(credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

Hyde Park JCC Purim Carnival

5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd.
Chicago, IL
773-753-3080
Sunday- March 20, 11 am to 1 pm
www.gojcc.org

Come in your best Purim costume to this lively carnival at the Hyde Park JCC featuring games with prizes, a fortune teller, and arts and crafts. Lunch and sweet treats will be available for purchase. Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food pantry in keeping with the spirit of the holiday.

Hasidic Jews Celebrate Purim In Brooklyn
(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah

3220 Big Tree Lane
Wilmette, IL
Sunday- March 20, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
www.bhcbe.org

This Conservative synagogue in suburban Wilmette is hosting a Purim carnival that is open to the public. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume. Expect carnival games, inflatables, prizes, food and fun.

Brooklyn Celebrates Last Day Of Purim
(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Congregation Beth Judea Shushan Wonderland

Route 83 and Hilltop Rd
Long Grove, IL
847-634-0777
Sunday- March 20, 10 am
www.bethjudea.org

Congregation Beth Judea in northwest suburban Long Grove is offering a Shushan Wonderland for preschool-aged children before its Purim Carnival. The event includes breakfast, a Purim play featuring all the characters from the Purim story, and a chance to make your own grogger. At 11 am, the kids are permitted to enter the Purim Carnival early, before the older kids, to ensure a quieter experience. As always, costumes encouraged. Registration required.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews Celebrate Purim Festival
(credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

Chicago Children's Museum Jewish Connections

700 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL
Thursday- March 24, 5-8 pm
chicagochildrensmuseum.org

During this Kraft Free Family Night, you can learn all about Purim while enjoying the fun of the Chicago Children's Museum. Special events include a hilarious re-telling of the Purim story by Hogwash Improv; sing-a-longs with Purim songs; and an opportunity to make Purim crafts including masks and a grogger (noisemaker). Of course, it wouldn't be a Purim party without some Hammentaschen to snack on!


Emily Paster is a mother of two living in the near west suburbs. She teaches writing at Loyola University School of Law. Read more of her thoughts on balancing work and family and raising kids in the Chicago area on her blog West of the Loop.

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